Disconnecting switch



' June 6, 1933- l C, CHRlsTENsEN 1,913,106

DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed July 13, 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 l lqn.

Jue 6, 1933.

C. CHRISTENSEN DI SCONNECTING SWTCH Filed July 13, 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 C. CHRISTENSE'N DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed July 1,5, 1925 June 6, 1933.

lillljillm@ June 6, 19.33. c. cHRlsTVENsEN 1,913,106

DIsooNNEcTING SWITCH Filed July 13, 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Q1 JS Jun 61933. 4 c. cHRlsTENsr-:N 1,913,106

DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed July l5. 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 9 Sheets-Sheen.t

C. CHRISTENSEN DISGONNECTING SWITCH Filed July 15, 1925 June 6, 1933.

June 6, 1933. c. cHRlsTl-:NSEN 1,913,106

DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed July 15. 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 June 6, 1933' c; cHRlsTENsl-:N 1,913,105

DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed July 15, 1925 s sheets-Sheet 8 2/ EIO June 6, 41933- c. cHRlsTl-:NSEN 1,913,106

DISCONNEGTING SWITCH Filed July 15, 1925 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 6% 86a. 5d 60 65 250 C? F f i j my' E955 o o o y if? gnf E66 256 615 www 2% Patented June `6, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHRISTEN CIInIsTENsEm or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AssIeNon To ELECTRICAL lENGI- Niiiins EQUIPMENT COMPANY, Oi* CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OIEr ILLINOIS ISCONNECTING SWITCH Application filed July 13, 1925. Serial No. 413,078.

Heretofore, particularly where high or Arelatively high tension current is involved,

tlielmatter of prop er insulation between the various switch unitsor phases where more than oiie unit or phase isl employed has pre- `sented considerable diiiculty. `The matter of proper insulation from the supporting structure and operating means has also been diiicult, as has the matter of providing an `has been relatively high.

provided, particularly in large capacity installations, the `inertia of the moving parts y The desirability of providingl a quick, positive lOpening switch, particularly where high tension current is involved, is well known andthe in-` ertia of the moving parts should, therefore, be as low as possible consistent with the mechanical and `electrical requirements oi' the particular installation. Itis .further desirable that the switch beoperable withV as little operating forcepor effort as possible, Consistent ,with securing a positive break and a quick opening.`

,According to my present invention I provide an improved mounting for the switchL characterized by its `great strength, `sim-` plicity `and ew parts, and I provide for insulating the switch parts from the supporting Vstructure and the several phases` where several phases are involved fromeach other in an exceedingly simple and expeditious `manner I makefprovision for employing a novel insulating `member or unit `which is adapted to be turned or rotated to open and close the switch. This permits as heavy insulation as is desired and, `at the same time, the inertia of the moving partsmay be maintained `as low as possible. Leverage increase in the inertia of the movf `ing parts'is minimized and the structure `is mechanically strong, and but a small' number of insulating units or members and other parts are required. The rotationfof the operating members as distinguished from heavy swinging insulating units reducestlie inertia and the reduction in the number of insulating units and other parts and also reduces the inertia, and alsothe cost,"and simplifies operation, repair and installation.

.The Combination and disposition of the insulating members or units of the operating member not only forms that member,rbut insulates the switch units or phases from each other where more than one unit or phase is employed, and also insulates the same from the" supporting structure `and operator `or operating mechanism. I provide for employing insulating bearing supports, especially where the installation is relatively heavy, and I provide :tor employing grounded bearing supports between the phases in combination with the insulating supportsV or `for employing either alone where desired. 1

I also provide an improved blade or switch member, and an improved blade or switch member support having means for connect ing and maintainingr connected electrically the pivoted or rotatably mounted end of the blade with a relatively fixed or stationary supported line conductor. I also make an improved provision for opening the blade initially with a powerful pull longitudinally of the blade and thereafter4 with a quick swinging movement, and I provide an improved contact and bearing means and cer-V tain otlierdetails which areinovel and important', and which form the subject matter of certainfof the appended claims.

To acquaint those skilled inthe art with the construction and manner of practicing my invention, `I shall now describe certain embodiments of the same in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, and in which Figure l is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the invention;

Iiig.` 2 is aside elevational view of the embodiment shown in Fig. l;

Fig. jiis a plan view of the embodiment shown inA Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of the embodiment shown in Fig.

'1, taken at the operating connection between the lower horizontal shaft and the adjacent rotatable insulating unit;

Fig. 5 is an axial detail section partially in elevation of the connector shown in Fig. 4 in the rotatablek operating member;

Fig. 6 is a vertical detail section through the bearing assembly, taken on the lineG-G of Fig. 4; Y

Fig. 7 is a vertical detail section taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6;

Figure 7 a, is a fragmentary view showing the counterbalancing spring for the switch shaft;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged front elevational View ofthe blade support and conductor connection thereto;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged front elevational view of the torque carrier member;

Fig 10 is a side elevational'view of the blade support and conductor connection thereto;

Y Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the blade carrier member;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sidev elevationalV view of Y the contact terminal shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 13 isa detail vertical section taken on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a detail horizontal section talren on the line 14-14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a front elevational View of the same;

Fig. 17 is a top embodiment Fig. 18 is a. front elevational view of the plan ViewV of kanother same;

Fig. 19 is a front elevational view of another embodinient; and

Fig. 20 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 19.

The switch shown in Figs. 1 to 14 is of I the three phase or three unit type, comprising three phases or units 5; 6 and 7 each con sisting of a swingable blade 10 and a relan tively fixed or stationary contact terminal Each blade 10 comprises a tube formed of suitable conducting material and prefeiably of generally circular cross section (Fig. 10). The Contact ends of the blades 10 may be formed by flattening or swedging the oppothe split sleeve portion may be clamped in firm mechanical and electrical contact with the inserted end of the blade 10 to mount the adjacent end of the blade firmly therein and in'good electrical contact therewith; as by means of bolts 20. At its opposite end each blade carrier 17 is bifurcated to form a pair of substantially parallel arms 22-22, each pivotally mounted at 23 between a pair of arms 24 radiating from the torque carrier 25, as by means of suitable bolts 0r the like. The opposite sides 26 and 27 of the torque carrier have square or non-circular openings 28 therethrough for receiving the square or non-circular shaft sections 29, which con stitute sections or portions at least of the rotatable switch operating member, designated generally at 30.

Between the sides 26 and 27 of the torque carrier 25, which sides are connected by a connecting portion 32 and may; therefore, with said connecting portion and the two pairs of arms or lugs 24 and a second pair of arms or lugs 34-34, constitute a unitary casting; for example, the square shaft 29 is provided with a bushing sleeve 35. This f sleeve may be generally circular externally with a square or non-circular opening therethrough to receive the shaft 29 and hx it non-rotatably on said shaft and it may be formed of any suitable or preferred bushing material. The bushing sleeve 35 may be rotatably journaled between the sides 26 and 27 in a supporting bearing designated gen erally at 40.

The bearing 40 is preferably split hori- Zontally at 42 to form a lower generally semi-circular half 43 and an upper generally semi-circular complementary half or cap 44, which may be clamped over the sleeve 35 andy to the lower half 43, as by means of bolts 45. Internally each half 43 and 44 has complementary intermediate channel portions 46 forming, when the two .halves are assembled upon the shaft, a channel annularly or circumferentially thereabout. Complementary semicircular channel bushings 47 are mounted in this surrounding bearing channel, and in this surrounding bushing channel between the radial side flanges thereof are a plurality of roller bearings 48, suitably spaced circumferentially about the shaft 29, and bearing upon the bushing sleeve 35 and upon the base of the channel bushings 47 to rotatably journal the sleeve 35 and thereby the shaft 29 properly in the supporting bearing. The roller bearings 48 may have axially projecting studs at their opposite ends secured in annular race members 50; one at each end of the circular group of bearings and moved between the side flanges of the bushing members 47. Axially or longitudinally of the shaft 29 to each side of the intermediate channel portion 46,' the complementary bearing halves have annular or circumferential grooves 52,

`whichunayfbe suitably packed at'531to prevent the ingress `of moisture `and other Afor-` eign unatter. This is particularlydesirable iparts 43 may havejafpedestal 56 terminating `atlits lower end in a mounting base `'lhile the mounting `and iinsulator arlrangementmay be varied Widely within the scope of this inventiomas will be more fully` pointed lout as this description proceeds, eachblade bearing 4f() of the three units or phases `5, 6 and 7 `of the particular installa tion, shownin Figs. lfto 14, is mounted upon a `generally :vertical insulating support 60, one underlying leach of the blade bearings Olofthethree phases 5, Gand 7.

`The `particular insulating support 66 shown comprises a plurality of insulating #units 62, each comprising upper and lower `suitablyypetticoated insulating members ce- `menteditogether, or otherwise joined at 63. Posts or pins `64:, `which may be' of metal or other suitable material, are cemented Vorl otherwise suitablyjsecured atitheir opposite ends inthe insulating units at'65, joining `said lunits 62 into a unitary insulating` suplport. Thebase `58 of the blade bearing l() may be mounted upona fitting 68 upon "the upper-end of the insulatingsupport 60 (Figi.

8), as by means of bolts 70 which may pass through and secure the fitting 68 upon the "dill top or lupper end of the upper insulating iunit 62, although the fitting"68 may be cemented or otherwise mounted in place. The Flower end ofthe lower post or pin 64 is suitably mounted asby means of a suitable fit ting 72 upon an inverted channel base 73, which may extend longitudinally beneath `theoperating member and constitute the mounting or support therefor.

One `of the insulating supports ``may underlielandsupport each of theblade bearh ings aOion'the support 7 3, thereby providing an insulating support beneath each blade. lllhefpetticoating and other formation of the insulator units 62 per se may, of course, be as `ldesired to secure proper `electric and dielectric'insulation from the frame or supporting structure. The petticoats ofthe re spective insulator units are preferably flared downwardlyto shed water and for the other usualV purposes, and whileone support only has been specifically described, Iit is to be `understood that the supports beneath the mounted endiof each blade 10 are substantially identical, so `that the `description which `I have made for one will suiice for all.

The operating member 30 is an insulating member and it comprises a pair of insulating sections 8O and 8l`between each blade l0. Each section and` 8l comprises a plurality of insulator units 82, the number and formation of which in each sectionimay beasde joined by postsorpins cemented or otherwlse suitably secured at their opposite ends in `said units.

The insulator `adjacent each torque carrier member 25 may be cemented or otherwise secured to a fit-ting or hardware member 86, whichmember 86 may Lin turn. be bolted at 87 or `otherwise secured to the adjacent side of the torque carrier member 25, thereby `uniting the torque `carriei..inenibe`1s` and insulating sections into a unitary rotatable operating member. The opposite ends of the insulating sections 80 and `81 areconnected or joined by `square or non-circular lengths of shafts 88 rotatably j ournaled between the sections180 and 8l and thereby intermediate the phases 5, 6 and 7 in groundedbearings 90. The details ofthe bearings 90 and the journaling ofthe shaft sections 88 therein may be substantiallyas described in connection with the'blade bearings 40, or otherwise as desired. j

The opposite ends of the shaftsections 88 may be connectedto therespective insulating units 8l and 82 by means of couplings 92. These couplings 92 are shown in Fig. 5 as comprising flanged stud members 93, cemented or otherwise suitably secured in the adjacent insulating member at one end, andliaving an annulus 94 bolted to the other end thereof. @upped members 95 having hubs 96 provided with square orlnon-circular sockets orbores 97 to receive and them upon the ends of the shaft sections 88 have peripheral flanges 98` securedto the annulus members `9st by bolts 99. The `cupping of the members 95 provides an axial clearance so thatY said membersand the shaft sections 88may be adjusted axially or longitudinally ofthe operating member. This also eliminates the necessity ofaccurate dimensioning of these parts, particularly with reference `to lengths, and permits proper accommodallmi) nos i sito tion tothe desired spacing of the phases in spite of variations and `in-a simple and expeditious manner. By loosening the bolts 99, a certain degree of angular flexibility may also be provided along the operating member, if desired. The sleeved hub 96 is preferably split at 100 and the inserted end of the shaft section 88 may be clamped in this split hub by drawing the sides of the hub thereon, as by means of' bolts 102.

The mounting bases 58 ott the grounded bearings 90 may be bolted or otherwise mounted upon blocks 105 bolted or otherwisesuitably secured at the upper ends of suitable supporting posts 106, which are supported and grounded at their lower ends upon the supporting structure 73, as by bolting their lower ends atV 103 to an .inverted channel 109, which may extend laterally with respect to the channel member 73 and constitute therewith the supporting frame or structure. The posts 106 may be of channel or angle iron formation and may comprise a Yplurality of downwardly converging legs, as shown, or their specific structure per se may be otherwise as desired. Grounded supports are thereby provided between the respective phases 5, 6 and 7 of the installation.

Outwardly of each of the outer phases and 7 the operating member30 has horizontal insulatingv sections 31 and 80, respectively, rotatably journaled in similar grounded bearings 90 upon grounded post supports 106. All of the insulating sections 80 and 81 and the torque and blade carrier members and shafts, pins, or posts in the operating member 30 are thereby joined into one unit having unitary rotation in 'the blade underlying insulating supports 60, and in the `*outer and between phase grounded supports 90 upon the frame 73, or other supporting structure. Y y f Only nine insulating sections are thereby required :tor supporting the blade members and insulating them from the supporting frame, and six of these nine insulating members constitute the operating member for the switch, :tour of them being interposed between and insulating the phases from each other. Great strength andan exceptionally high insulating factor is thereby provided for high capacities, with few parts, and an exceedingly simple combination and arrangement is aiforded. The insulators in the operating member are rotatable in opening and closing the switch and this reduces the inertia of the moving parts. Leverage increase in the inertia of the moving parts is low as compared to installations employing heavy swinging insulators and other heavy swinging units, and this resulting low inertia is exceptionally advantageous in large capacityY installations, where the insulation andA other parts are necessarily relatively heavy and bulky.

F or the purpose of turning the rotatable operating member 30 to swing the blades into open and closed position, I provide a square or non-circular shaft 110. rIhis shaft 110 extends horizontally along the supporting frame 73 and may be rotatably journaled in suitable bearings 112, which bearings 112 may be mounted upon the supporting structure as, for example, upon the lateral inverted channels 109 thereof. While one operating connection between the shaft 110 and the operating member 30 may suffice, where the installation is relatively heavy or large, a plurality of operating connections 115 may be employed, as shown in Fig. 1, one 'for example, adjacent each oit the grounded bearings 90 where they are effectively insulated from the blades 10 by the insulating sections 80 and 31.

The operatingrconnections 115 between the shaft 110 and the operating member 30 may compiise Varms 1,18 fixed upon the shaft sections 33 of the operating member 30 for rotation therewith and connected by connecting links or rods 120 with arms 121 fixed upon the shaft 11() for rotation therewith, the arms 11S and 120 having pivotal connection with the links or connecting rods 120 to permit the different angular relations therebetween as the operating member is rotated or turned by rotation of the shaft 110. The shaft 110 has fixed thereon to turn the shaft 110 therewith an arm 123 connected by a link or rod 124 with a crank arm 125 which maybe turned or operated, as for example, by suitable motor operating means designated generally-at 126 in Fig. 2. The switch may, of course, especially where smaller, be operated manually or otherwise as desired.

-The relatively fixed or stationary Contact members 12 each comprises a pair of floating contact members 130 which may have suitable floating support upon a pedestal 132 having a base 133. The contact members 130 are inclosed in a protecting hood having opposite side walls 1311 suitably bolted or joined together or to the main hood support and a bottom wall 135, which may be carried by the pedestal 132, for example. The upper ends of the contact members 130 are flared at 136 to receive the blade as it is swung into co-operation therewith and suitably mounted, as through pedestal means, or with the hood are a pair of upwardly flaring guide members 138 for receiving the blades in their closing movement and guiding same into proper position between the contact members 130. The Contact members 130 are yieldingly urged into proper contact with the opposite sides of the contacting portion 15 of the blade 10 by coiled thebase of the terminal contact.

fic

`in Figs. 2 and 3.

tti

springs 140` interposed between, the contact members 130 and the side walls 134. The opposite ends of the hood are closed by walls 14:2 slotted or separated at 148 to permit swinging of the blade therethrough.

A terminal lug 145 extends laterally with respect to theA upright blade contacts from It may be formed integral therewith or made up" separately, and mechanically and electrically connected therewith, and the line conductor 150 is connected mechanically and electrically with the lug 145, as by means of a soclreted terminal 152 bolted thereto. Une ofthe line conductors for each phase may be connected with the terminal contact of its associa-ted switch in this manner. An eye or member 153 may additionally support the'- conductor 150 of the lug 145 and take the strain off of the connection between the conductor 15() and the terminal 152, and each terminal contact may be provided with `a suitable arcing horn 155 for drawing and dissipating the arc between the blade and its contact terminal as the switch is opened.

`The other line conductor 158 for each phase or unit of theswitch is shown in the form of a conducting ribbon or bus secured by bolts 160 (Fig. 8) to the depending lug 162 of the fitting 68 on the upper end of the blade insulating support in good electri` cal contact therewith. The current supplied to the pivoted end of the bladeis, therefore, through the fittings and blade bearings l0 on the upper ends of the blade insulating supports 60, thereby assuring goed electrical connection at all times to the pivoted end of theblade and, at thesame time, permitting swinging or turning of the blade and rotation of the operating lmember 3() with a relatively fixed or stationary connection to the pivoted end of each blade.

The terminal contacts 12 are mounted upon generally vertical insulating supports 165,`one underlying each contact, as shown The particular supports 165shown, each comprises apluralityof insulating units, each unit consisting, for example, of a pair of petticoated insulators 166 cemented or otherwise suitably joined together into a unitary insulating post or support. At the upper end of the insulating support 165 is a fitting 168 to whichthe base 133 of the contact terminal pedestal 132 may be bolted. The lower endof the upright supports 165 may be mounted by a fitting 169 uponfthe supporting frame as,

for example, upon an inverted channel 17O`l parallel to the channel 73 and o'ined therewithinto a unitary frame or supporting structure by the cross or lateral channels `109.

bThe contact terminals 12 ofthe switch are thereby supported in asimple and rugged mitting" relative movement of the member 25 with respect to the member 17. This relative movement Vis opposed by coiledV springs 180 encircling the bolts 178 and interposed between the shoe 176 and the upper wall 181 of the carrier member 17. Depending walls 182 on the carrier member 17 form ineffect an enclosing hood or box about the coiled springs 180;

lt should be noted that in the normal closed "condition of the switch (Fig. 9) the pivotal connections 23 between the carrier and torque members 17 and 25 are positioned generally in the vertical plane of the axis of the rotatable operating member 30 or at least in position to exert a powerful horizontal pull on the blade members 10 with the initial counter clockwise (Fig. 9) rotation ofthe operating member 30 and torque members 25, fixed for rotation therewith. assures positive loosening of the contact ends of the blade members 10 lfrom their co-operating contact members in the initial opening operation of the switch by an initial longitudinal movement of the switchblade. With this linitial opening pull the torque members 25 rotate with the operating member 30, the only accompanying movement of the carrier members 17 being the pull exerted longitudinally of the blades through the pivotal connections 23. As the space or` clearance between the shoe 176 and carrier members 17 is taken up, the sprin s 180 being compressed during such time, tie shoe 176 linally comes into engagement with the underside of the carrier member 17 and thereafterpositively swings the carrier member 17 and blade member 10"carried thereby with it about the axis ofthe operating member 30, swinging the contact end of the blade 10 up. out of engagement or con-` tact with the contact means 12 and into the open position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

The operating connection being at the pivoted end of the blade, quick opening of the blade after the initial powerful breaking pull is secured. in securing a quick separation of the blade from itsterminal contact means in spite of freezing or icing thereto in severe weather, and in spite of corrosion or any other tendency for the blade to stick or adhere to its contact because of severe weather con- This is highly desirable ditions, or continued inactivity of the switch, or for any other cause.

The grounded bearings at the opposite ends of the rotatable operating member of the embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 1 to 14, provide with the grounded supports between the phases, a balanced grounded support on each side of each blade in addition to the insulating supports beneath `the rotatably journaled or pivoted ends of the blade members. The grounded bearings ground the blade end of the installation between phases and the insulating units of the rotatable operating member insulate the phases apart, and form the supporting structure and operating member and, at the same time, provide a unitary rotatable operating member for swinging the blades into open and closed position by rotation thereof. They also insulate the blades from the operating means and from the grounded supports.

The insulating operating member 30 may be as heavy as desired to provide the desired insulation and, at the same time, the inertia of the moving parts is exceedingly low. The structure is mechanically strong and any desired insulation may be provided, the number of insulating members or units and other parts being minimized. To still further keep the inertia as low as possible, spring means may be provided for counter balancing the weight of the blades 10 and other moving parts, so that it will only be neces-y sary to overcome friction in operating the switch. Such spring means may conveniently comprise a coiled spring about one of the shaft sections 88 with its opposite ends engaging abutments, and tending to turn the operating member 30 in theV direction to open the blades, by the expansive effort of the spring, this spring effort thereby opposing the weight and gravitation of the blades and othre parts to closed position.

In Figs. 15 and 16, I have shown how the vertical installators or installating supports under the centers of the rotatably mounted ends of the blades may be omitted, and how the outer vertical grounded posts or supports and the horizontal insulating units between them and the ends of the rotatable operating member may be omitted. Although not limited to any particular use, this is especially suitable for lighter or lower capacity installations, providing maximum strength and insulation, both between the phases and from the supporting structure and operating means, and still fewer parts.

The mechanism shown in Figs. 15 and 16 is shown supported upon the cross arm 200 ofa pole or tower structure,l the cross arm 200 being shown secured at 201 to the pole 202, and suitable diagonal braces 203 being shown between the pole 202 and the outer ends of the arm 200.

The installation is again shown as of the three phase or three unit type, each having a switch 205 therein. Each switch 205 comprises a relatively stationary or fixed contact terminal 206 and aA swinging blade 208 adapted to be swung into and out of engagement therewith. The mounted ends of the blades 208 are carried by blade carriers and torque members 210. The central or intermediate blade carrier and torque member 210 is suitably secured between and carried by the insulating sections 212 and 215, the outer blade carriers 210 being shown as suitably secured to and carried by the outer ends of the insulating sections 216 and 218, and the insulating sections 212, 216 and 215, 218, are connected by shaft sections 220,

,thereby `joining the blade carriers and insulating units into a unitary rotatable member or structure.

Metallic or other suitable supporting posts 225 mounted and grounded upon the cross arm, which may be formed of angle or other structural iron, for example, having grounded bearings 226 at their upper ends in which the shaft sections 220 are rotatably journaled between the phases of the installation. Two grounded supports between the phases or units of the installation may thereby form the sole or entire support for the rotatable operating member, and the four horizontal insulating sections 212, 215, 216 and 218 mount the three blades thereon, provide the low inertia operating member therefor, and insulate the several phases froln each other and from the supporting structure and operating means. The rotatable operating member may be turned bodily as by means designated more or less diagrammatically at 230 to swing the blades into and out of contact with the contact terminals 206.

The contact terminals 206 may be mounted as before upon the upper ends of vertical insulating units 232 mounted at their lower ends upon a frame member 234 supported, for example, from the cross arm 200, as by lateral members 235 of the supporting structure. The contact members 206 may be provided as before with suitable arcing horns 236. The contact terminals 206 thus require only three more insulating units, making seven units for the entire connecting, supporting, and insulating functions of the entire installation. It is to be understood, of course, that vertical insulating supports may be employed beneath the rotatably mounted ends of the blade members of this installation, which would increase the strength as where the switch is slightly larger, and at the same time provide an insulation with two less insulating units than employed in the previous embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 17 and Cn I i ce supporting insulators, as before.

member.

18, the contacts or contact terminals 250 oi the several phases are mounted upon `horizontal insulators instead of upon vertical case the rotatable operating member 252 is supported as in .the preceding embodiment, between the phases by grounded bearing supports 253 suitably mounted upon the supporting frame 251i, The blade carriers 255 are as before carried t'or rotation with the insulating sections 256 of the operating member 252, the insulating` sections 256 insulating `the phases from each other and from the grounded bearings 253.` Asili the preceding embodiment, the outer horizontal and outer vertical posts are omitted as are the insulating blade supporting` posts un` derlying the blade carriers, but all or any combination of thesemay be supplied, as desired.` The blades are designated at 260 and the terminal contacts 250 are shown as provided with arcing horns 262.

The stationary horizontal insulators are designated at 264 and they are supported by groundedposts 265, suitably mounted upon the frame 254which may comprise an additional frameniember joined to the irame member underlying the rotatable operating member, as by lateral frame members. In

i this case the intermediate contact'terminal l onthe outer` end of each ot' the outer insulating units ot' the stationary horizontal insulating members 264. Additional outer horizontal insulating members may, of course, be provided and these may `be supportedby additional grounded or insulating posts, as desired. Thus in this embodiment the `three contact terminals 250l are supported by the four insulating units of the unitary horizontal insulating structure, and lthe blade members are supported, operated, and insulated from each other and Vtroni the grounded bearings and supporting struct-ure andoperating means by the four horizontal insulating units of the rotatable operating This entire installation requires but eight insulating1 units and the number and inertia of the parts is very small.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1 9 and 20 the rotatable operating member 275 is again made up and mounted substantially as 1n the embodiment of Figs. 17 and 18. In this case the supporting structure is designated at 276, the blade carriers at `277, and the insulating `units of the rotatable operating member at 278. The other horizontal. in sulating structure is, however, instead of being relatively fixed or stationary as in the previous embodiment, rotatably mounted similar to the operating member 275, and carries blades 280 insulated from each other In this and from the supporting structure by insulating sections 282 substantially identical with the other rotatable operating member. The switch blades are thus broken up into the parts 28() and co-operating blade parts 285 carried by the carriers 277, the blade members 280` and 285 both being rotatable into open and closed position and'adapted to `break contact between thetwo generally parallel operating members. The parts employed. in this installation are few and the inertia is low before, and the advantage of making and breaking contact by separable blade members movabletoward and away from each other is secured.

While I have described the invention in connection with certain particular embodiments, it is to be understood that I do notV intend to be limited to the precise details and arrangements shown and described.

I claim: i j

1. In a switch of the class described, the combination of a rotatable insulating member comprising a, pair of insulating sections, a blade carrier carried between androtatable with said sections, blade means pivoted on said carrier eccentrically of the axis of rotation oi said members, and an insulating support underlying and supporting said carrier.

2. In a switch ot the class described, the combination of a rotatable insulating member comprising a pair of insulating sections, a blade carrier carried between and rotatable with said sections, blade means pivoted on said carrier, spring means biasing the blade in one direction about its pivot on the carrier, an insulating support underlying and supporting said carrier, and grounded sup ports` for said insulating member on opposite sides o1" said blade means.

3. In a three phase switch, the combina tion or' a rotatable operating member, blades carried by said `operating member one for each phase and swingable with rotation of' said member, separate line terminals for the respective blades, and grounded bearing supports for said operating` member between said blades, said operating member having insulated sections blades and said bearing supports.

Ll. In a three phase switch, the eombination of a rotatable operating member, blades carried by said operating member one for each phase and swingable with rotation of said member, grounded bearing supports for said operating member between said blades, said operating member having insulating sections between each of said blades and said bearing supports, and insulating sections outwardly of the outer blades and supporting means underlying the ends of said last insulating sections.

5. In a three phase switch, the combination of a rotatable operating member, blades between each of said carried by said operating member one for each phase and swingable with rotation of said member, grounded bearing supports for said operating member between said blades,

.said operating member having insulating sections between each of said blades and said bearing supports, and insulating sections outwardly of the outer blades, grounded bearing supports for the outer ends of said last insulating section, and insulating supports for said member underlying the mounted end of each of said blades.

6.L In combination, a' rotatable insulating member, a support therefor, a journal member carried by said insulating member and journaling said member on said support, a blade carrier straddling said journal member and mounted on the insulating member for rotation therewith andl a blade carried by and swingable with the carrier member.

7. In combination, a rotatable insulating member, a support therefor, a journal member carried by said insulating member and journaling said member on said support, a blade member mounted upon said journal member, said journal member being rotatably mounted in said bearing support and forming an electrical connection to said blade member through said bearing support and said journal member.

8. A polyphase high voltage switch comprising a plurality of switch blades, one for each phase, an operating shaft operatively connected to each of said blades, electrically connected means supporting the shaft between the respective switch blades and maintaining the supporting points of the shaft at the same potential, said shaft including a plurality of high voltage insulators between the respective switch blades and the supporting means, and additional high voltage insulating means supporting said shaft at each of the switch blades.

9. In a switch, a jaw terminal, a compound blade movable into and out of engagement with said terminal, said compound blade comprising a short arm and a long arm connected together, actuating means for reducing the effective length of the compound blade to draw the long arm out of the aw terminal by a movement as a unit in substantially a straight line extending longintudinally of said arm said actuating means including abutment means movable therewith for engaging said arm after predetermined movement of the actuating means for thereafter swinging said arm to the open position, and means effective at the end of the rectilinear movement of the arm for extending the effective length of the compound blade to permit the longer arm to be swung angularly into the aw to close the switch, said blade having contact with the jaw terminal at the free end only ofsaid longer arm.

10. A polyphase disconnect switch comprising a plurality of switch blades, one for each phase, an operating shaft including a plurality of insulators supporting said blades, said insulators insulating the respective blades from one another and eX- tending on both sides of at least one of said blades, and means for supporting the shaft, said blade being mounted on a pivot carried bythe shaft eccentrically thereof.

ll. A polyphase disconnect switch comprising a plurality of switch blades, one for each phase, an operating shaft including a plurality of insulators supporting said blades, said insulators insulating the respective blades from one another and extending on both sides of at least one of said blades, means for supporting the shaft, and means for maintaining points along the shaft midway between the respective switch blades at the same electrical potential.

12. A disconnect switch comprising a plurality of switch blades, an operating shaft including a plurality of insulators supporting said blades, said insulators insulating the respective blades from one another and extending on bot-h sides of at least one of said blades, means for supporting the shaft at the points where the switch blades are mounted thereon, and means for maintaining points along the shaft midway between the respective switch blades at the same electrical potential.

13. An electric switch including a switch supporting link,means including a rotatable insulatorrfor rotating said link, a relatively long switch blade pivotally mounted on said link at a relatively short distance from the center of rotation of said link, said blade and said link being at a substantial angle out of alignment with one another when the switch is closed so that the blade is moved in substantially a straight line extending longitudinally thereof upon the initiation of the switch opening movement, and abutment means rotatable with the link and engaging the switch blade after a predetermined movement of said link for swinging the blade as a unit with the link upon further rotation of the switch link.

14. An electric switch including a switch supporting link, means including a rotatable insulator for rotating said link, a relatively long switch blade pivotally mounted on said link at a relatively short distance from the center of rotation of said lilik, said blade and said link being at a substantial angle out of alignment with one another when the switch is closed so that the blade is moved in substantially a straight line extending longitudinally thereof upon the initiation of the switch opening movement, abutment means rotatable with the link and engaging the switch blade after a predetermined movement of said link for swinging the blade as a prising ashort actuating arm and a long arm connected thereto and actuated thereby, said arms being at a substantial angle out of alignment with one another when the switch is closed, actuating means for reducing the effective length of the blade to draw the long arm out of the jaw terminal by a movement as a unit in substantially a straight line exi 15" `tending longitudinally of said long arm and for thereafter swinging the blade tothe open position, and means effective at the end of the rectilinear movement for extending the effective length of the blade to permit the longer arm to be swung? angularly into the jaw toclose the switch, said blade having contact with the jaw terminal at the free end of said longer arm.

16. In a device of the class described, a rotatable operating member comprising a plurality of insulating units, ground journals secured between the outer units of said member and the rest of the member, and blade members carried between the inner units and also at the outer ends of the outer i a pair of stop members on the insulator for limiting the eccentric movement of the switch blade as the insulator is rotated.

18. In a switch structure, the combination with a stationary contact, of a rotatable inthe rotation of the blades on the eccentric pivots to a fractional portion of the range of rotation of the member, whereby the blade rotates with the member upon continued rotation thereof when the limiting means are effective.

21. A polyphase switch comprising a rotatable member including a plurality of insulating sections, switch blades carriedby said member on pivots eccentric of the axis of rotation of said member, the switch blades being insulated from one another'by the insulating sections, means for limiting the rotationof the blades on the eccentric pivots to a fractional portion of the range of rota tion of the member, whereby the blade rotates with the member upon continued rotation thereof when the limiting means are effective, and insulating supports for the ro- 1atable member at certain of the blade memers.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 9th day of July, 1925.

CI-IRISTEN CHRIS'IENSEN` `units for operation with rotation of said sulator, bridging means having an offset portion pivoted to the insulator eccentric to the axis thereof and adapted to provide a movement to the bridging means angularly relative to said contact when the insulator is initially rotated and means for causing the blade to revolve with the insulator when it is further rotated.`

19. A disconnecting switch comprising a stationary terminal on an insulating pillar,

a rotatable insulating pillar and a bridging member pivoted upon said rotatable pillar at a point to one sideV of the `line between said stationary terminal and the axis of said rotating pillar when the switch is in its closed position and adapted to be moved into engagement with said stationary terminal.

20. A polyphase switch comprising a rotatable member including a plurality of in- 

